Soto Sake’s UK distribution is set to be handled by Mangrove Global, a distributor of independent spirits brands.
The company will be responsible for the Japanese rice wine brand in both the on- and off-premise, albeit without specifying accounts. Soto Sake’s Junmai iteration will be available in two sizes, 72cl bottles and 18cl cans, while the Junmai Daiginjo is sold in both 72cl and 30cl formats.
Produced in Japan, the all-natural sakes are offered at 14-15.5% ABV, without added sugar, sulphites or preservatives, and are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Mangrove Global MD Nick Gillett noted that Soto Sake’s performance in the US to-date encouraged him to make a move for the brand. The company’s roster also includes Almave non-alcoholic tequila and Uncle Nearest American whiskey.
“It’s been a long-held ambition of mine to bring a sake onto the portfolio – and in my opinion, there’s no better brand than Soto,” Gillet said. “I’ve been a fan of everything they’ve achieved in the US for a while and seeing the increasing success of the category here in the UK, it was time to drive that same enthusiasm on our own shores.
“Sake is… a flavour profile we’re already comfortable with – and Soto’s SKUs are … drinkable liquids in their own right.”
In February, Japanese rice wine producer Sake ONO struck a deal with beverage distributor DrinksOne Brands in the UK.
